Turret traversing and indexing device



y 1947. H. T. HALLOWELL, JR

TURRET TRAVERSING AND INDEXING DEVICE Filed Jan. 27, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 y 1947. H. T. HALLOWELL, JR

TURRET TRAVERSING AND INDEXING DEVICE Filed Jan. 27, 1944 (Sheets-Sheet 2 ay 27, 1947. H HALLQWELL, JR 2,421,327

TURRET TRAvERsmG AND INDEXING DEVICE Filed Jan. 27, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet s ay '1 94-7. 4 H. T. HALLOWELL, JR 2,421,327

TURRET TRAVERSING AND INDEXING DEVICE Filed Jan. 27, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 J v bwwqwgiw/ Patented May 27, 1947 ENT OFFICE TURRET TRAVERSING AND INBEXING DEVICE ware Application January 27, 1944, Serial No. 519,930

(Cl. PL-125) 8 Claims.

This invention relates to machines of the type employing an intermittently rotatable turret, and a principal object of the invention is to provide a generally improved, relatively simple and precise mechanism for traversing and indexing the turret in its intermittent rotary movement.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mechanism of the stated character wherein the turret is under positive control continuously throughout the traversing and indexing cycle.

More specifically, the invention contemplates the provision of a device of the stated character wherein the position of the turret at any period of the traversing and indexing cycle is positively determined and controlled either by the traversing mechanism or by a locking means operating in synchronism with the traversing mechanism.

Still another object is to provide a traversing and indexing mechanism wherein provision is made for accelerating and decelerating the motion of the turret at the beginning and end, respectively, of the traverse movement, thereby providing for a relatively rapid traverse movement with a minimum of strain upon the elements of Y the mechanism.

A further object is to provide a traversing and indexing mechanism of the improved character set forth having means for readily and accurately regulating the extent of the traverse movement.

A still further object is to provide a traversing and indexing mechanism comprising synchronously movable turret-traversing and turretlatching elements, wherein provision is made for extremely close relative timing of the operations of said traversing and latching elements.

Another object is to provide a machine of the type set forth wherein the major elements of the turret-traversing and indexing assembly, including the turret, the dial-traversing arm, the actuating cams and the cam shaft, have a common rotational axis.-

A further object is to provide a cam-actuated traverse device of the stated character having means for regulating the extent of the traverse movement, which means is independent of the cam and of the timing function of said cam.

Still another object is to provide a machine of the stated type wherein the elements of the turret indexing and traversing device are enclosed by the turret and adjoining parts of the frame so as to be protected from abrasives and chips employed in or emanating from operations performed upon work carried by the turret.

The invention resides further in certain mechanical details and arrangements hereinafter described and illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein;

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary top plan view showing the turret portion of the machine;

Fig. 2 is a corresponding view with the turret removed to expose the traversing and indexing mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 33, Fig. 2;

Figs. 4 and 5 are views in perspective of two 'of the elements of the mechanism;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view on the line 6-45, Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view on the line 'l--'l, Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a view in perspective of the elements of the mechanism illustrated in Fig. '7, and

Figs. 9 and 10 are respectively diagrammatic top plan and side elevational views of the machine illustrating th'e general mode of operation.

With reference to the drawings, the machine therein illustrated comprises a relatively fixed frame I upon which is mounted a rotary turret 2, which in the present instance constitutes a work table. The machine comprises also a continuously rotating drive shaft 3, together with the several integrated elements of the traversing and indexing mechanism which are mounted in the casing l and which establish an operative connection between the turret 2 and the shaft 3.

The shaft 3 terminates in a stub l in the lower part of the casing 2 and this stub end 4 is in eifect journaled in the hollow lower end of a pintle pin 5 which is immovably anchored in the casing I by means of a set screw 6. The upper end of the pin 5 forms a pintle for the turret 2, and the lower end of the pin 5 forms a pintle for cam members 1 and 8, these elements being secured to the shaft 3 for rotation with the latter. Where the set screw 6 engages the pin 5 the latter is recessed and. provision is made in the form of a channel 9 for conducting to this recess a suitable lubricant. The pin is provided internal- 1y with a plurality of channels, designated generally by the reference numeral II, which communicate with the recess l0 and extend to the several external surfaces of the pin which support or guide the moving elements of the mechanism. Operative connection is established between the cam members I and 8 and the shaft 3 by means of a member l2 which is secured to the shaft and carries a plurality of pins l3 which project upwardly through apertures in the inner portion of the member 8 and in a flange M at the lower end of the member I. The member I has 3 a single cam element l5, and the member 8 comprises an external cam surface l and a cam groove I! which are operatively associated respectively with different elements of the mechanism as hereinafter described.

The turret 2 is provided at its periphery with a concentric series of depending pins l3 and operatively associated with these pins in the traversing and indexing operation are a traversing lever l9 and a latch 2|. Th lever It is mounted for oscillation about the axis of the pin 5, and to this end is provided with a rectangular aperture 22, see Fig. 5, into which in assembly is fitted a block 23, said block being journaled at the upper end of the pin 5 for rotary movement about the axis of the latter. As shown in Figure 2, the block is fitted closely between the opposite sides of the recess 22, but the recess is of greater length than the block so as to afford freedom to the lever for a degree of bodily movement in the longitudinal direction. The block 23 is provided with a pin 24 which projects beyond the opposite side faces of the block and into slotted recesses 25 in the walls of the lever l9, and in the said Walls is a pair of longitudinal recesses which are intersected by the ends of the pin 24. In the inner end of each of the recesses 30 is mounted a coil spring 2%, these springs being compressed between the ends of the pin 24 and the inner ends of the recesses and exerting continuous pressure tending to advance the lever t9 radially toward the peripheral portion of the turret 2 and the aforesaid series of pins I-B. The construction described above pr videsfor oscillation of the lever i9 around the axis of the pin 5 and for longitudinal displacement of the lever with respect to the annular series of pins |8.

Oscillation of the lever |S is effected by the cam element I! through the medium of transmission elements including an oscillatory arm 27 at the lower end of a rock shaft 28. The arm is adjustably secured to the shaft, as hereinafter described, and carries a cam roller which engages in the camgroove H. A second arm 29, at therupperend of the shaft 28, is operatively connected to the lever l9, also as hereinafter described- Referring to Figs. 3 and 5, it will be noted that the lever l9 has in the under side thereof a longitudinal recess 3|, and fitted closely between the sides of this recess is a block 32 provided with a depending pin 33 which fits into one or other of two apertures 34 and 35 in the arm 29. Oscillation of the shaft 28 and with it of the block 32 effects a corresponding oscillation of the lever I9, and assuming that the angular movement of the shaft 28 is constant, it will be apparent that the angle of oscillation of the lever I9 will be relatively great when the pin 33 of the block 32 occupies the aperture 34, as compared to the angle of movement when the pin occupies the aperture 35. This device therefore affords a simple and effective means for varying the extent of oscillation of the lever 19, and it is to be noted that the number of apertures in the arm 29 may be greater or less than the two shown herein for the purpose of illustrating the principle.

Referring to Fig. 6, it is to be noted that the lever .21 comprises a base portion '37 having a cylindrical opening for reception of the shaft 28. The .shaft has a flat-bottomed recess 38 which forms a seat for a block 39 which may be clamped tightly against the flat bottom of the recess by means-of screwsl4| threaded into the base iii.

4 By relatively adjusting the screws 4| the block 39 can be made to assume different angular positions in the base portion 3? and by this means the angular position of the arm 2'. with respect to the shaft axis may be varied. Such adjustment will have the effect also of adjusting the angular position of the lever l9 with respect to the axis of the pin 5. By this means therefore, the position of the path of oscillation of the lever E9 in the frame may be varied within prescribed limits. The device described above provides for adjustment not Only of the extent of the angular movement of the lever is about the axis of the pin 5, but also of the position of the path of oscillation of the lever i9 about said axis.

The radial movements of the lever 9 are effected through operation of the cam i5. This cam 'is operatively connected to the lever by means of a rock shaft t2 suitably journaled in the frame I, said shaft having at its lower end an arm 53 which carries a roller 44 for engagement with the surface of the cam. The upper end of the shaft 42 has attached thereto an arm 45 which carries at its outer end a roller 45 which fits into a slot 47 in the under side of the lever |9. Oscillation of the shaft 42 by the cam i5 thereby results in a radial displacement of the lever Hi, the cam |5 operating in such displacement to retract the lever IS with respect to the peripheral series of the pins |8 and the springs 25 functioning to advance the arm in the opposite direction as the cam |5 may permit. Obviously the springs 26 maintain the roller 44 in continuous contact with the cam surface. It is to be noted also that the arcuate form of the recess 41 precludes interference by the roller 45 with the oscillatory movements of the lever l9 about the axis of the pin 5. The arm 43 is, in this case, operatively connected to the shaft 42 in the same manner as the arm 27 to the shaft 28, so that the angular relation of the arms 43 and 45 may be adjustedto regulate the path in which the radial reciprocation of the lever t9 occurs and the extent to which the lever is projected toward the series of pins IS. The lever i9 has at its outer end a recess 50 which, when the lever is so projected, is adapted to receive and interlock with one or other of the pins IS, an operative connection between the lever l9 and the turret 2 being thereby effected. Thereafter angular movement of the lever |9 by action of the cam I! as previously described will effect a traverse movement of the turret. The cams f5 and H are so formed and so relatively arranged that following each of such traverse movements the lever i9 is retracted so that the return movement of the lever toward the starting position leaves the turret unafiected.

The latch 2| functions toretain the turret fixed in the positions to which it has been moved by action of the lever I9, during the periods when the lever is disengaged from the pins. This latch 2| is slidably'mounted for radial movement relative to the turret in a casing 48 which is suitably secured to the fixed, frame by means for example of pins 49 and screws-5|. The latch 2| has in its outer end a recess 52, which when the latch is projected, as shown in Fig. 2, receives one or the other of the pins Hi. When thus engaged with the pin the latch functionsto positively lock the turret in position.

Reciprocation of the latch 2| is effected through the medium of a rock shaft 53 which is journaled in the frame I, as shown in Fig. 3,

'5 and which has at its lower end an arm 54 car rying a roller 55 for engagement with the surfa'c'e'of the cam i6. At its upper end, the shaft 53 carries an 'arm 58 having at itsouter end bifurcations '1 which'enter recesses 58, 58 at top and bottoin'respectively of the latch element 2|, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The latch 2| is provided at its rear end with a longitudinal bore 59 for reception of a spring 6! and this spring bears againstthe inner end of the bore 59 and against theback B0 of the casing-d8. The spring is under compression and tends to project the latch elementZI toward the series of pins l8 against theaction of the cam it. The spring functions therefore to hold the roller 55 continuously in pressure engagement with the surface of the cam "so that the latter has active control of the reciprocatory movement. The cam 56 is formed and arranged relative to the cam it so that retraction of the latch 2i from the operative position occurs only after the lever 18 has been advanced into'operative engagement with one of thepins 'l8;'and the latch 2! is again advanced into operative position with respect to the pins l8 prior to retraction of the lever I9. The turret *2 is thereby under continuous positive control of the traversing and indexing mechanism. Preferably connection between the arm 54 and the shaft "53 is effected by means of a device corresponding to that shown in Fig. 6 and previously described, whereby the path of reciprocation of'thelatch 2| may be regulated for accurate coaction between the latch and the pins l8.

When-the pin 33 of the block 32 occupies the aperture 34, as illustrated in the drawings, the traverse movement of the turret will be four times the distance between adjoining pins, and by shiftingthe block 32 to the recess 35 the extent of this traverse will be halved. The general mode of operation of a machine incorporating the in- Vention is illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 wherein the rectangular areas indicated in broken lines represent operating stations at which certain operations take place upon work pieces carried in sockets '52 in the peripheral portion of the turret 2. In the present instance, the station designated by the reference numeral 66 has provision for performing operations simultaneously on four of the Work pieces supported in adjoining sockets e2. Inaccordance with the setting of the parts illustrated in thedrawings, the turret, following completion' of the operation at the station M, will be rotated through an angle sufiicient to bring the next succeeding four work pieces into the station 64 and to correspondingly advance the Work pieces which have previously been operated upon. The stations 65, $6, 61 and 68 are so relatively arranged that they individually operate upon different ones of the four work pieces which have previously received the initial operation at station 64. At station 69 four work pieces, each of which has received two operations, are simultaneously ejected from the sockets 62. Obviously, the mode of operation may be varied widely to meet specific requirements without departure from the invention.

In general, it is desirable to make the traverse movement of the turret as rapid as possible to thereby reduce to a minimum the loss of time between operations occurring at the different stations. The return movement of the arm I9 after each traverse of the turret, may on the other hand be regulated in accordance with the length of time required to complete the said operations. The cam I1 is therefore preferably 6 designed to afford a rapid'moveme'nt of the-arm in the traverse movement of the turret, a'nd a relatively slow return movement'ofthe arm during the period when the work operationsare being performed and the 'turretis stationary. In order 'topermit'and to adequately support a relatively-rapid traverse movement and to 'reduce to a minimum the strains thereby imposed upon the working parts, the cam ll is also designed so that'in said movement the motion of the arm first accelerates and then decelerates, the beginning and end of the movement occurring at a rate lower than the rateover the mid portion of the movement, but the average rate throughout bein rapid, as desired.

It is to be noted, also, that the adjustable connection between the cam arm 21 and therock shaft 2-8, and also the corresponding connections between the arm 43 and54 and the respective shafts M and 53, provide a simple means for precise correlation of the movement of the several traversing and indexing elements without reference to the actuating cams, and for highly accurate control of the indexed positions of the turret.

The use of pins 18, as elements of the positive traversing and indexing means has certain advantages aside from the functional ones. Their use, for'example, materially simplifies the process of manufacture, since the operations of drilling the turret body and setting the pins may be performed with precision by relatively simple and inexpensive methods. the pins in their sockets also affords a simple and practical method of compensating for wear.

It should be noted, further, that the construction and assembly of the machines as a whole is'materially simplified by arrangement of the turret, the cams and the traversing lever i9'for movement about a common axis corresponding with'the axis of the drive shaft; and that the durability of the machine is materially improved by providing a-running bearing for "the'turret upon the casing i, as at lii, H, and l2,'see Fig. 3, so that the turret in effect forms with'the casing a sealed housin for the operating elements of the traversing and indexing mechanism.

I claim: l.-In combination, a rotary turret having a concentric series of pins projecting from one face thereof, a rotary drive shaft forming a journal for said turret, an oscillatory lever and means affordin bodily movement of the lever to'and from said pins, means operative only when the lever is in an advanced position of said bodily movement for interlocking the lever with a pin of said series whereby subsequent angular movement of the lever about its axis of oscillation may effect a rotary movement of the turret, and mechanism operatively connecting the shaft with the lever for effecting synchronized oscillatory and bodily movements of the latter.

2. In combination, a rotary turret having a concentric series of pins projecting from one face thereof, a lever mounted for oscillatory movement about the axis of said turret, means providing for radial movement of the lever with respect to said axis, a rotary shaft forming a journal for the turret, mechanism actuated by said shaft for oscillating the lever and for periodically and synchronously radially reciprocating the lever, and means operative only when the lever is in an advanced position of said radial movement for interlocking the lever with the turret.

3. In combination, a rotary turret, a lever Rotational adjustment of mounted for oscillation about the axis of said turret, means including a rock shaft for oscillating the lever, means operative only for one direction of movement of said lever for interlocking the lever with the turret whereby the oscillatory movement of the lever will effect an intermittent rotary movement of the turret in one direction, cam means for actuating the rock shaft, an arm attached to said shaft and operatively engaged with the cam, and means for adjusting the angular position of said arm about the rock shaft so as indirectly to adjust the path of the said oscillatory movement of the lever about the axis of the turret.

4. In combination, a rotary turret, a lever mounted for oscillation about the axis of said turret, means including a rock shaft for oscillating the lever, means operative for one direction of movement of said lever for interlockin the lever with the turret so that the oscillatory movement of the lever may eifect an intermittent rotary movement of the turret in one direction only, cam means for actuating the rock shaft, an arm attached to said shaft and operatively engaged with the cam, and means for adjusting the angular relation of said arm to the rock shaft to thereby indirectly adjust the path of the oscillatory movement of the lever about the turret axis, said adjusting means comprising a clamping element on said lever, a recess in the shaft presenting a flat seat for said clamping element, and means for retaining the said element in forcible engagement with the seat, said retaining means being adjustable so as to vary the angular position of the clamping element in the arm.

5. In combination, a casing, a pintle mounted in said casing, a turret 'rotatably engaged with said pintle, a plurality of cam elements mounted in the casing for rotation about said pintle, a drive shaft attached to said cams, a rock shaft operatively associated with each of said cams, mechanism operatively connected to said rock shafts for intermittently angularly traversing said turret, and means for angularly adjusting each of the rock shafts with respect to its actuating cam.

6. In combination, a rotary turret, a lever mounted for oscillation about the axis of the turret, means operative for one direction of movement only of said lever for interlocking the lever with the turret, a rock shaft having an arm arranged for oscillation in a plane paralleling the plane of oscillation of the lever, a block pivotally Number supported in said arm, said lever having a longitudinal recess for reception of the block whereby oscillation of the arm may. be transmitted to the lever, mechanism for actuating the rock shaft, and means for adjustment of the position of the pivotal axis of the block longitudinally of the arm.

'7. In combination, a rotary turret, a lever mounted for oscillation about the axis of the turret, means operative for one direction of movement only of said lever for interlocking the lever with the turret, a rock shaft having an arm arranged for oscillation in a plane paralleling the plane of oscillation of the lever, and projecting from the shaft toward the turret axis, a block pivotally supported in the arm and slidably interengaged with the lever so that oscillation of the arm is transmitted to the lever, and means for adjustment of the position of the pivotal axis of the block longitudinally of the arm.

8. In combination, a rotary turret, a lever mounted for oscillation about the axis of the turret, means operative for one direction of movement only of said lever for interlocking the lever with the turret, a rock shaft having an arm arranged for oscillation in a plane parallelin the plane of oscillation of the lever, and projecting from the shaft toward the turret axis, a block pivotally supported in the arm and slidably interengaged with the lever so that oscillation of the arm is transmitted to the lever, means for adjustment of the position of the pivotal axis of the block longitudinally of the arm, a second arm on the rock shaft, a cam engagable with said arm for oscillating the shaft, and means for adjusting the position of the arm about the shaft axis.

HOWARD THOMAS HALLOWELL, J R.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date 861,723 Hansen July 30, 1907 2,374,464 Skriba et a1 Apr. 24, 1945 2,376,137 Hallowell, Jr. May 15, 1945 646,287 Hundhausen Mar. 27, 1900 1,136,891 Candee Apr. 20, 1915 2,304,514 Sutton .d Dec. 8, 1942 623,410 Miller et al. Apr. 18, 1899 2,006,297 Eisemann June 25, 1935 

